Business and labor groups have agreed on a key part of an immigration reform deal, which involves a new program that would allow lower-skilled workers come to America.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the AFL-CIO reached consensus Thursday after weeks of closed-doors negotiations.

"We have found common ground in several important areas and have committed to continue to work together and with member of Congress to enact legislation that will solve our current problems in a lasting manner," the Chamber of Commerce and AFL-CIO said in a statement. "We are now in the middle - not the end - of this process."

In order to pass, a comprehensive bill would also need to address border security, employer verification, and a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.